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VisitEngland has today 27th April announced the finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s national Awards for Excellence. 48 finalists have been announced following a rigorous judging process by handpicked tourism industry experts and will now go on to compete in 16 core categories at the national awards. Two of those finalists are Tourism for All members and both have been nominated for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol and WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre near Gloucestershire regularly win awards for their accessibility. Applications to the awards were put forward for judging from businesses, including hotels, self-catering accommodation providers, B&Bs, glamping operators, visitor attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is working on a long term Ark for All plan to make their site as accessible as possible. Currently, most areas of the Farm are wheelchair accessible and with phase one of the plan complete, there is a Changing Places toilet, complete with hoist and changing bed, accessible play equipment including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and child-friendly accessible signage. See their full accessibility statement here.
The Ark Arena has a Hearing Induction Loop, high contrasted signs and tables and highlighted steps, as well as quieter, accessible areas of the zoo for those who would like to take some time out.
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre has also been working to create an accessible and inclusive place to visit. They have 6 accessible toilets across the centre, as well as a fully equipped Changing Places toilet. There hearing loops at key locations around the site, as well as information in large print.
Paths and hides around the centre are wheelchair accessible and there are wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for guests to hire.
See their full accessibility statement here.
Speaking about the awards, VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes, said: “This impressive list of finalists demonstrates the innovation and excellence thriving across England’s tourism industry. The quality and number of applications also highlights the outstanding range of products and experiences on offer for both domestic and international visitors. We wish the finalists the very best of luck.”
In addition to the 16 core categories, four special awards are also being presented this year, including an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, a Travel Content Award, a Tourism Superstar Award and a TXGB Trailblazer Award. All finalists are invited to attend the national awards ceremony, this year being held at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, the Making of Harry Potter on 7th June. Winners will be announced at the event.
See more accessible visitor attractions, places to stay and more here.
